Lymm 28
Sedgley Park 0

Lymm entertained Sedgely in a 2nd v 3rd in the table clash. It was always going to challenging for both sides to get 15 on the pitch at this time of year in view of the festive celebrations! With players home from university, Lymm made some of changes from last week and it was good to see James Rooney playing after his year out with injury.

Lymm kicked off and started at a fast pace, throwing the ball around, which sometimes resulted in putting themselves under pressure. However after a flowing move along the back line and an excellent pick up by Rhys Lilley, Rory Riddell was released from 35 metres out on the right and his power and pace did the rest for a try which was converted by Josh Davies, 7-0.

Lymm were making good ground when they had the ball with powerful surges from the back row and centres but the final pass was missing. Sedgley were living off Lymm’s errors, as they tried to move the ball at every opportunity, even from their own line. Lymm increased their lead when a similar passage of play on the left side of the pitch resulted in Rory Riddell scooting over from 30 metres for another try, converted by Davies, 14-0.

Sedgley responded with driving play by their forwards but were met by determined Lymm tackling, led by the hardworking Henry Baldwin and Dan Horton. It was during a period of pressure deep in the Lymm 22 that Sedgley dropped the ball. Ever sharp Riddell, kicked through showing good football skills to out sprint the opposition and touch down for another try to complete his hat-trick after 25 minutes. Josh Davies converted, 21-0.

It was all Lymm now, always looking dangerous as they moved the ball wide but again the final pass or wrong option prevented a score. After 35 minutes Sedgley kicked through and Rhys Lilley collected the ball on the halfway line. He then beat a number of tacklers before getting held up by dogged Sedgley defence but from the resulting scrum Lymm were awarded a penalty try as Sedgley interfered in the act of Lymm scoring a pushover, 28-0.

Ht 28-0

At half time coach Peter Millachip emphasised playing the game in the right half and keeping to basics. However it was Sedgely who came out more determined using a close forward game to dominate possession. When they did get possession, they tried to move the ball at pace but moves broke down after three or four passes. The home defence did not change and they kept Sedgley at bay driving them back in the tackle or forcing them into errors with their line speed. Credit must go to Sedgley for their second half performance but overhaul Lymm were happy with the win against a side they haven’t beaten for a number of years. To nil a side at any level takes some doing these days, which shows good determination and team spirit.

Rory Riddell, who celebrates his 21^st birthday on Christmas Eve, shows great pace on the AGP and has been the stand out player over the last few weeks. He said he was suffering from cramp in the second half but we suspect that cramp may have been from early birthday celebrations from the night before!!

All the forwards put in good shift, both in defence and the set pieces. The Front Row of Nick Ashton, Dan Horton and Oli Brown, with locks Will and Henry Baldwin, provided a stable scrum platform. This enabled a good supply of ball for half-backs, George Anderson, Tom Baker and their speedy back line.

Lymm remain in second place in this highly competitive league. Their next game is on the 11^th January, away to Macclesfield 2’s. On the 4^th January, Lymm 1^st XV are at home to Alnwick, KO 3pm.

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